North Central Amateur Radio Service has been aptly described as one of the true ‘gems’ of amateur radio.

The primary mission of the service is too provide road, weather and gas price information for mobile amateur radio operators while fostering fellowship amongst our members.   Secondary to the services primary mission is providing a operating environment where net operating skills are practiced.

The North Central Amateur Radio Service (NorCars) dates back too the mid seventies. Five amateur radio operators realized a need for a service to provide road, weather and gas price information for mobile operators located throughout the central and mid western United States. In the beginning the founding five of NorCars purchased and gave 50 WX VHF scanners to retired and or physically handicapped amateur radio operators located throughout the central and mid-western United States. Rumor has it that the Union Pacific Railroad used their ‘clout’ too obtain good prices for the VHF WX scanners that were destined too be used in support such a valuable service.

The driving force behind the creation of NorCars is:

KB0AE--Dick Eichorn, Mpls.,Mn (Handi-Hams-Mpls) (SK)

W0FCO-Ralph Andrea-Mpls,Mn (Retired Colonel US Army) (SK)

WB0NGF-Dale Hueske-Grand Island,Ne (Over The Road Sales)

W0UQJ-Bob Brenneman-Council Bluffs,Ia (Supt, Comm UPRR) (SK)

W0FCE-Bill Hendrix-Cameron,Mo (Over The Road Sales)

KB0AE was net control of Norcars until he became a silent key in 1987 at which time Gene, WTOR, assumed net control responsibilities.  For the next  several years Gene ran the net five days a week processing more than 40 check-ins daily. WB9SUL, Jack Siddall, assisted Gene by assuming two of the  morning sessions as net control station until he became a silent key. Gene continued as the lone net control operator for the next several years until Howard Held, K9HCT, volunteered to assist as net control operator.  Gene was the net control operator for NorCars for 20 years during this time he also officially registered NorCars with the ARRL. Gene is still active on NorCars and can be heard most mornings checking in from White Bear Township, MN.

April 2009 - W8EB, Bil, listed the net with the ARRL, thanks Bil!

Jul 2009 - Gene, WB5KVE resigned as the net manager for NorCars to enjoy time with family and friends. Gene was the manager for the net for many years and we wish him well and look forward to hearing him check in.Gene offered the position of net manager to Bil, W8EB, which Bil  accepted, we wish Bil the best as the net continues to evolve.

Feb 2011 - Bil, W8EB, resigned as the net manager for NorCars to enjoy time with with family and friends. Bil offered the position of net manager to Ron, W9AEG, which Ron accepted, we wish Ron the best as the net continues to evolve.

In Oct. 2011 Ron because of family obligations returned the Net Manager position to Bil W8EB. It was decided to create three (3) Net Manager positions with any of the two managers being able to make Net decisions. Bil W8EB is the Lead Net Manager, Bob K8RLM is the Webmaster Net Manager and Dell K3AXR is the Net Manager for Net Projects-Decals. Ron W9AEG is the Net Secretary in charge of the certificates and membership list.